Internship Career and Leadership Workshop 2025

The National Park Foundation and Fund II aim to capture the unique stories of internsXL. Kelcie Glass, the internXL Marketing lead, along with the production team, will conduct interviews and photograph the interns to document their individual experiences.

Group Discussion: Share the research findings you gathered at your national park this summer about the contributions of Black Americans at that or surrounding communities during the group discussion.

The Career Panel aims to speak to panelists in public service with the federal government. It is structured to provide a comprehensive view of career trajectories. The session would feature three panelists at different career stages: beginning, mid, and late-career. Each panelist would share insights and experiences pertinent to their career stage, offering a well-rounded perspective on public service.
Beginning Career Panelist: This individual, relatively new to the federal workforce, would discuss entry-level experiences, the transition from academia to professional life, initial challenges, and the strategies used to navigate and establish themselves within the public sector.
Mid-Career Panelist: This panelist, with several years of experience, would provide insights into career development, progression within the federal government, the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and the pursuit of specialized roles or leadership positions.
Experienced-Career Panelist: A seasoned professional, this panelist would reflect on their experience in public service. They would share tips for career sustainability, the evolution of the federal landscape, and advice for those considering a career in public service.

The session, moderated by a Mosaics alumnus, would encourage active engagement through a Q&A segment where interns could ask questions tailored to each career stage.

Participants will enhance their understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to preserving African American history and culture through engaging in meaningful conversations and exchanging personal perspectives. The panelists will discuss innovative methods for preserving historical records, the importance of grassroots efforts in protecting community histories, and the potential for expanding access to heritage for broader public engagement.

Learn about the essential steps to follow upon completing a DHA-RA Internship and gain insightful advice on advancing in your federal career.

Discover the next steps to take after concluding your internship. Learn how to navigate USAJOBS effectively to search for positions using the Public Land Corps special hire authority.

Prepare to be captivated by an engaging discussion as the panelists draw upon their rich experiences and insights to explore the exceptional opportunities and challenges that HBCU graduates encounter when embarking on federal service careers. From navigating the intricacies of recruitment processes to making significant advancements within federal agencies, attendees will gain invaluable perspectives on how HBCU alumni are shaping the future of leadership in the federal government. Furthermore, this enlightening conversation will delve into the pathways available for the next generation of HBCU students and graduates to enter and thrive in federal careers, highlighting the utmost importance of diversity and inclusion in building a government workforce that truly represents its people.

Latino leaders in the National Park Service will discuss topics such as representation and diversity within the organization, the preservation of Latino cultural heritage sites, community engagement, career development, environmental justice, collaboration with Latino organizations, education and interpretation, challenges faced by Latino employees, and the future direction of the National Park Service. Through this discussion, they aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and advance conservation goals for all communities.